Jesus Sightings

A video of local newscasts about supposed sightings of Jesus and his mother in everyday objects.

Marriage Law Struck Down

Iowa’s high court says the state's same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional. That makes Iowa the third state where marriage is legal. The Iowa Supreme Court ruling was unanimous. It upholds a lower court ruling that strikes the language limiting marriage to only between a man a woman. It will be at least several weeks before gay and lesbian couples can seek marriage licenses in Iowa because a request for a rehearing could be filed.

Housing Bubble

An economist for the International Monetary Fund found that during the last two housing booms, regions with high concentrations of evangelicals saw lower gains in home prices and less volatility than similar regions with fewer evangelical residents. Here's a charge showing the difference produced by the New York Times. Read the full story here.

A Survey of Pastors

More people from outside your church are asking for help.
Yes - 62%

You have more requests for help from church members.
Yes – 31%

Are some of your church members out of work?
Yes – 40%

Has your church has increased spending to help the needy.
Yes – 37%

You have recently given personally to people in need?
Yes – 27%

Source: LifeWay Research

Gingrich Becomes Catholic

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will be received into the Catholic Church at St. Joseph's Church in Washington this weekend.

Flood Victims' Faith

CNN offers this report on how faith is sustaining flood victims.

Judge: Under God OK

A Texas judge has dismissed a lawsuit asking that the words "under God" be taken out of the Texas pledge of allegiance recited each morning by public schoolchildren. David Croft claims it’s a violation of separation of church and state. He has three children who are enrolled at the Carrollton-Farmers School District.

The Robe

The Robe is out on DVD after a major restoration effort. The 1953 Biblical film was a critical and box office success. It chronicled what happened after Jesus’ crucifixion from the Roman point of view. It was the first film released CinemaScope. Based on a 1942 novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, the film featured Richard Burton as the Roman army officer charged with carrying out the crucifixion. He went on a search for the robe of Jesus and in the process became a devoteed Christian.

Paulk Dies

Earl Paulk has died in Atlanta. The megachurch pastor was in his 80's and had battled cancer for years. His Cathedral at Chapel Hill rose to a membership of 10,000 in the '90s but was later rocked by sex scandals. His son, D.E. Paulk is now leader of the church. For years the younger Paulk believed the elder was his uncle. But the biological connection beame public in 2007 after several women alleged they had affairs with Paulk. He was also accused of sexually abusing several children but denied the allegations.